About Us

The Ananda Meditation Retreat was founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, based on the teachings of his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. People from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome here.

When Swami Kriyananda first walked this land, he said he deeply felt the blessings of his guru and knew this was where he felt God could start what would become the Ananda Community.

Many of the original residents of the Meditation Retreat now live at the nearby Ananda Village, and the Meditation Retreat is kept as a quiet place for meditation and seclusion.

Paramhansa Yogananda (1893-1952)

The Meditation Retreat began as a small retreat center, the first actual focus of what has now blossomed into a global movement to help spiritual seekers realize God in their daily lives as a tangible, loving reality.

The magnetic energy of the Retreat has intensified and expanded over the past several decades. Individuals meditating and living here have greatly added to the profound sense of peace and stillness that pervades the land. The beauty and presence of the Divine is tangibly felt by all who come here.Learn more about the history of the Meditation Retreat.

Swami Kriyananda (1926-2013)

Spiritual Lineage

Lahiri Mahasaya

Babaji

Jesus Christ

Swami Sri Yukteswar

Paramhansa Yogananda

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Explore Ananda

What Is Ananda?

Ananda is a worldwide movement to help you realize the joy of your own higher Self. It is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more…